countyscore
61.4
County Score
Property Tax 96.4Income & Jobs 92.3Safety 74.7

County Report Card

About Teton County, Idaho

Teton County Outperforms the National Median

Teton County's composite score of 61.4 far exceeds the national median of 50.0. This places the county in the upper tier of U.S. jurisdictions for overall quality of life.

A Top Performer in the Gem State

With a 61.4 score, Teton significantly outperforms the Idaho state average of 52.2. It stands as one of the most desirable counties in the state for broad livability metrics.

High Incomes and Exceptional Tax Rates

The county shines with a Tax Score of 96.4 and an Income Score of 92.3. Residents enjoy a high median household income of $90,740 while benefiting from a very low effective tax rate of 0.346%.

Navigating a High Cost of Entry

High living costs pose a significant hurdle, as evidenced by a low Cost Score of 14.3. The median home value of $595,900 makes the area much less affordable than many of its Idaho neighbors.

A Premium Haven for High Earners

This county is a premier choice for professionals seeking a low-tax environment and high safety. It rewards those who can navigate the expensive housing market with a superior quality of life.

2040608010096.414.374.768.958.492.370.635.750.4Tax96.4Cost14.3Safety74.7Health68.9Schools58.4Income92.3Risk70.6Water35.7Weather50.461.4/100
This county
National avg
5 above average2 below average

Teton County DNA

Doverall

How Teton County compares to the national average across 9 dimensions

Teton County is a tale of two counties — exceptional in Property Tax (96.4/100) but notably weak in Cost of Living (14.3/100). This polarized profile creates distinct trade-offs for residents.

Dimension Breakdown

Tax
96.4+44.400000000000006
Cost
14.3-33.7
Safety
74.7+19.700000000000003
Health
68.9+18.900000000000006
Schools
58.4
Income
92.3+41.3
Risk
70.6+23.599999999999994
Water
35.7-22.299999999999997
Weather
50.4
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Can You Afford to Live Here?

Median Home Price

$595,900

National median: $174,650

Median Rent

$1,196/mo

National median: $854/mo

Income Needed (home)

$595,900/yr

28% front-end rule

Income Needed (rent)

$47,840/yr

30% rent rule

Affordability Spectrum6.6x income
AffordableNational avgExpensive
Local median income: $90,740/yr
Compare Mortgage Rates

Economic & Education Snapshot

Data from Federal Reserve (FRED), U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, and CMS NPPES.

Explore this county

Property Taxtaxbycounty.comCost of Livingcostbycounty.comIncome & Jobsincomebycounty.comSafetycrimebycounty.comHealthhealthbycounty.comSchoolsschoolsbycounty.comDisaster Riskriskbycounty.comWater Qualitywaterbycounty.comWeather & Climateweatherbycounty.comSoil Qualitysoilbycounty.comLawn Carelawnbycounty.comFarmers Marketsmarketsbycounty.comView on Mapcountyscore.com/map
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Nearby counties

Madison County
Idaho
53.7
Bonneville County
Idaho
41.4
Teton County
Wyoming
62.4
Fremont County
Idaho
63.6
Jefferson County
Idaho
52.8
Clark County
Idaho
54.1
Bingham County
Idaho
48.6
Caribou County
Idaho
65.4

Deep Dives

Teton County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 11 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Teton County

via TaxByCounty

Teton's tax rate undercuts the nation

At 0.346%, Teton County's effective property tax rate sits well below the national median of 0.73%, placing it in the bottom 15% of U.S. counties by tax burden. Homeowners here pay a median of $2,065 annually, compared to the national median of $2,690—a difference of $625 per year despite Teton's median home value being more than double the national average.

Idaho's lowest-taxing county

Teton County ranks first in Idaho for the lowest effective tax rate at 0.346%, significantly undercutting the state average of 0.508%. This 0.162 percentage-point advantage means Teton homeowners benefit from one of the most tax-friendly assessments in the state.

A regional tax haven

Teton County's 0.346% rate dramatically outpaces neighboring Twin Falls County (0.667%), Valley County (0.297%), and Washington County (0.526%). Only Valley County approaches Teton's affordability, but Teton's median home values are $595,900 versus Valley's $599,500, meaning Teton residents pay nearly identical absolute dollars despite identical appreciation pressures.

What the average Teton home costs annually

A homeowner with a median-valued Teton property ($595,900) pays approximately $2,065 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that bill rises to $2,230; without one, it drops to $1,875.

Check your assessment for overvaluation

Many Idaho property owners are assessed above fair market value and can appeal for refunds. If you believe your Teton County assessment is inflated, an appeal to the county assessor's office costs nothing and could recover years of overpaid taxes.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Teton County

via CostByCounty

Teton renters spend less than America

Teton County's rent-to-income ratio of 15.8% sits comfortably below the national median, meaning renters here dedicate a smaller share of earnings to housing than their counterparts nationwide. With a median household income of $90,740—nearly $16,000 above the U.S. average—Teton strikes an unusual balance of high earners and moderate rental costs.

Best affordability in Idaho

Teton County boasts the most favorable rent-to-income ratio in Idaho at 15.8%, beating the state average of 16.8% by a full percentage point. This distinction reflects both the county's robust median income and relatively stable rental market compared to peers.

Rents align with nearby counties

At $1,196/month, Teton's median rent sits between Valley County ($1,011) and Twin Falls County ($1,011), reflecting its position as a wealthier, more expensive pocket of central Idaho. The county's higher income base absorbs these costs more easily than lower-income neighbors.

Own or rent? Both carry weight

Renters pay $1,196 monthly while homeowners carry a $1,334 mortgage on homes valued near $596,000—a modest $138 difference that masks the wealth gap between the two groups. A typical household devotes about 16% of income to rent or 18% to ownership, leaving Teton residents with more discretionary income than most Idahoans.

Teton: High income, reasonable housing

If you're weighing moves within Idaho, Teton offers the rare combination of strong wages and affordable-relative-to-income housing. Employers and remote workers seeking mountain living with financial breathing room should investigate Teton's job market and rental inventory.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Teton County

via IncomeByCounty

Teton Outearns Most of America

Teton County's median household income of $90,740 sits 21% above the national median of $74,755, placing it in the upper tier of U.S. counties. This prosperity stems largely from Jackson Hole's thriving tourism and real estate markets. Few American counties match Teton's earning power.

Idaho's Richest County

At $90,740, Teton County's median household income towers 38% above Idaho's state average of $65,770, making it the state's wealthiest county by this measure. The county's per capita income of $46,968 nearly doubles the state average of $32,503. Teton stands alone as Idaho's income leader.

Teton Dominates Regional Earnings

Teton's $90,740 median household income vastly outpaces neighboring Valley County ($76,125) and Twin Falls County ($65,338), reflecting its concentration of high-wage tourism and hospitality jobs. Even compared to Valley County, its closest competitor regionally, Teton earns $14,615 more per household. This gap widens further against Washington County's $53,608.

High Income, High Housing Costs

Teton's 15.8% rent-to-income ratio suggests housing remains affordable relative to earnings, despite a median home value of $595,900—the highest in this group. The county's strong income cushions against the region's steep property costs. However, homeownership still requires significant household wealth.

Build on Teton's Economic Momentum

With median income nearly double the national average, Teton households are positioned to invest aggressively in retirement accounts, education, and diversified portfolios. Consider consulting a financial advisor to maximize tax-advantaged savings strategies and wealth-building opportunities suited to your income level. Your earning power is a rare asset—deploy it strategically.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Teton County

via CrimeByCounty

Teton County remains significantly safer than the nation

Teton County reports a total crime rate of 601.0 per 100,000 residents, which is nearly four times lower than the national average of 2,385.5. With an exceptional safety score of 99.1, local law enforcement reports suggest a very secure environment compared to typical U.S. communities.

A high-ranking performer in Idaho safety

The county's safety score of 99.1 exceeds the Idaho state average of 98.4. While only one reporting agency provides these figures, Teton maintains its reputation as one of the state's most secure regions.

Regional safety outperforms neighboring Twin Falls

Teton's crime rate of 601.0 per 100,000 people is much lower than Twin Falls County's rate of 1,482.5. This highlights a distinct safety advantage for residents in the eastern part of the state compared to southern urban centers.

Property and violent crimes stay well below benchmarks

Violent crime occurs at a rate of 186.2 per 100,000, roughly half the national average of 369.8. Property crime is even lower relative to national trends, with 414.8 reports per 100,000 compared to the U.S. figure of 2,015.7.

Maintaining vigilance in a low-crime area

Despite low crime figures, residents should remain proactive about home security to maintain this high standard. Simple measures like smart lighting and secure locks ensure Teton County remains a safe haven for all.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Schools in Teton County

via SchoolsByCounty

A Concentrated Rural School Network

Teton County operates an efficient education system with 1,878 students spread across just seven public schools. This infrastructure consists of four elementary schools, one middle school, and two high schools, all managed by a single unified district.

Elite Graduation Rates Lead the State

The county boasts an exceptional 97.0% graduation rate, far exceeding both the Idaho average of 83.6% and the national benchmark of 87.0%. Despite a lean per-pupil expenditure of $6,260, the county achieves a school score of 55.6, outperforming state and national medians.

One District Serves Every Student

The Teton County District manages all 1,878 students, providing a streamlined educational experience without the presence of charter schools. This centralized approach ensures that resources are focused entirely on the local public school system.

Personal Learning in a Rural Setting

Every school in the county is classified as rural, creating a consistent environment with an average school size of 268 students. While Teton High School serves as the largest hub with 591 students, Victor Elementary offers a more intimate setting with only 175 children.

Success-Driven Schools for Local Families

For families seeking some of the highest graduation rates in the state, Teton County offers a compelling academic environment. Consider home listings near these high-performing rural campuses to secure a spot in this focused school system.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Teton County

via RiskByCounty

Teton County faces very low disaster risk

With a composite risk score of 29.45, Teton County ranks in the lowest tier of U.S. counties for natural disaster exposure. This score falls well below the national average, positioning residents in one of America's safer regions for combined hazard risk.

Safest county in Idaho overall

Teton County's composite risk of 29.45 ranks it as the lowest-risk county in Idaho, significantly below the state average of 38.51. Among all 44 Idaho counties, Teton stands out as the most resilient to multi-hazard disaster risk.

Much safer than nearby counties

Teton County's 29.45 score compares favorably to neighboring Valley County (55.63) and Twin Falls County (46.95), making it notably less exposed to combined natural disasters. Washington County, its closest competitor, still scores higher at 30.31.

Earthquakes and wildfires pose most concern

Teton County faces meaningful earthquake risk (78.34) despite its overall low rating, reflecting its proximity to seismic zones. Wildfire risk (90.87) also demands attention, though flood and tornado risks remain minimal at 27.96 and 10.56 respectively.

Prioritize earthquake and wildfire coverage

Standard homeowners policies exclude earthquake and wildfire damage, making separate coverage critical for Teton County residents. Given your county's elevated seismic activity and wildfire exposure, adding these protections is a practical investment in home security.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Water Quality in Teton County

via WaterByCounty

Poor Drinking Water Grade Despite Low Violation Rate

Teton County earns a Water Quality Grade of F due to 3 health violations over the last five years. Although its violation rate of 44.1 per 100K is lower than the Idaho average of 207.0, the severity of these lapses impacts local safety. The county continues to navigate federal Safe Drinking Water Act requirements to protect its residents.

Teton Watershed Faces Significant Sedimentation Challenges

In the 2022 reporting cycle, 30.6% of assessed water bodies in Teton County fail to meet Clean Water Act standards. This impairment rate is healthier than the Idaho state average of 41.6% for the same period. Top causes for these failures include sedimentation, high temperatures, and flow regime modifications.

Focused Biological Monitoring Across Thirteen Local Sites

Water quality experts maintain 13 monitoring sites in Teton County, recording 431 measurements over the past five years. The data collection focuses heavily on biological counts and fish health metrics. This footprint provides a specialized look at the local ecosystem but remains less dense than neighboring regions.

Teton River Flows Surge Above Historical Means

The primary USGS gauge on the Teton River above South Leigh Creek currently records a discharge of 659 cfs. This volume represents 170% of the long-term historical mean for this drainage area. High runoff levels currently dominate the local stream profile compared to typical seasonal patterns.

Manage High Flows and Tap Water Safety

Residents should remain aware of tap water quality given the county's low compliance grade and recent health violations. Current streamflow at 170% of typical levels can increase sedimentation in source water. Consider utilizing certified filters and staying informed on local water board notices during peak flow periods.

Full water quality analysis on WaterByCounty

Weather & Climate in Teton County

via WeatherByCounty

High Altitude Mountain Living

Teton County averages a chilly 40.8°F annually, sitting 13 degrees below the national median. This high-altitude climate is significantly cooler than the typical American county.

Among Idaho's Coldest Regions

With an annual average of 40.8°F, Teton ranks well below the Idaho state average of 46.5°F. It remains one of the coldest pockets in the state throughout the year.

Wetter and Cooler Than Peers

The county receives 19.2 inches of precipitation, outpacing the Idaho average of 17.0 inches. It maintains a cooler profile than many neighboring agricultural counties to the west.

Mild Summers and Harsh Winters

July averages a comfortable 63.9°F with only one day per year reaching 90°F. However, winters are intense with a December to February average of just 20.5°F.

Prepare for the Long Freeze

Residents need high-performance heating systems to combat January averages of 19.3°F. While specific local snowfall data is unavailable, neighboring mountain peaks require heavy-duty winter gear.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Teton County

via SoilByCounty

High-Altitude Soil Profiles in Teton

While specific pH and taxonomic data for Teton are unavailable, regional profiles often lean slightly acidic compared to the 6.5 national median. Local growers typically manage high-elevation soils that mirror the Idaho state average pH of 6.04. This volcanic-influenced landscape requires careful monitoring to balance mineral content.

A Complex Mix of Mountain Sediments

Data on exact sand, silt, and clay percentages is limited, yet the Teton Basin is known for its diverse sedimentary layers. These unrecorded textures dictate how easily your garden drains and how well it holds onto nutrients. Understanding your specific plot's feel is essential for determining its workability and moisture needs.

Striving for High-Altitude Soil Health

Without local organic matter data, the Idaho state average of 27.53% serves as a goal for local soil health. Growers here must maximize water retention to meet or exceed the state benchmark of 0.269 in/in. Amending your soil with compost helps bridge the gap in these rugged mountain environments.

Managing Water in a Steep Landscape

Specific drainage classes are not listed, but the county's mountain slopes and valley floors create natural runoff challenges. Homebuilders and farmers must account for varied hydrologic behavior when planning foundations or irrigation systems. Proper site assessment ensures that seasonal snowmelt doesn't overwhelm your land.

Hardy Crops for Teton’s Short Season

Hardiness Zone 5a supports cold-tolerant varieties like kale, radishes, and potatoes during the brief summer. Use raised beds to warm the soil quickly and extend your growing window in this high-altitude climate. Start your seeds early to make the most of the intense mountain sun.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Teton County

via LawnByCounty

High Altitude Challenges in Teton County

Teton County earns a lawn difficulty score of 31.7, placing it below the Idaho state average of 33.3 and well behind the national median of 50.0. In this USDA Hardiness Zone 5a environment, homeowners face a uphill battle against a short growing season and cold mountain temperatures. Keeping a lawn lush here requires significantly more effort than in more temperate parts of the country.

Short Seasons and Scarce Rainfall

The county receives just 19.2 inches of annual precipitation, which is less than half of the 40 inches many grass types prefer. While extreme heat is rare with only one day over 90°F annually, the low 1322 growing degree days mean turf develops slowly. The growing season is further restricted by a late spring frost that typically lingers until June 15.

Adapting to Unmapped Mountain Soils

Specific soil data for Teton County is currently limited in federal databases, necessitating local testing before you plant. To overcome the lack of data, gardeners should perform a home pH test to ensure levels sit between the ideal 6.0 and 7.0 range. Adding organic matter is a standard best practice to improve water retention in these high-altitude landscapes.

Constant Vigilance Against Dry Conditions

Teton County spent all 53 weeks of the past year in drought conditions, with 100% of the area currently classified as abnormally dry. This persistent water stress requires homeowners to prioritize deep, infrequent watering to encourage strong root systems. Mulching around lawn edges and using smart irrigation controllers can help preserve every drop of available moisture.

Planting for Success in Zone 5a

Kentucky Bluegrass and Fine Fescues are the best choices for this climate due to their superior cold hardiness. Aim to seed or sod in late June once the threat of the June 15 frost has passed and soil temperatures rise. Despite the short summer, a well-planned lawn can thrive if you start during the brief window before the September 9 fall frost.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teton County's county score?
Teton County, Idaho has a composite county score of 61.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Teton County rank among counties in Idaho?
Teton County ranks #5 among all counties in Idaho on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Teton County, Idaho?
The median annual property tax in Teton County is $2,065, with an effective tax rate of 0.35%. This earns Teton County a tax score of 96.4/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Teton County?
The median household income in Teton County, Idaho is $90,740 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Teton County earns an income score of 92.3/100 on CountyScore.
Is Teton County, Idaho a good place to live?
Teton County scores 61.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #5 in Idaho. The best way to evaluate Teton County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Teton County with other counties side by side.
By Logan Johnson, Founder & Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Logan Johnson, Founder & Data Editor

ByCounty Network

Property TaxCost of LivingIncome & JobsSafetyHealthSchoolsDisaster RiskWater QualityWeather & ClimateSoil QualityLawn CareFarmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.